Product News

Blade mCX2 ultra micro heli

By Tim Kidwell

Published:
May 14, 2010

Product: The mCX2 is another step forward in the evolution of the coaxial ultra-micro helicopter. Available in both RTF and BNF versions, the mCX2 has the aggressive looks of its much older sibling, the CX, with the size advantages of last year’s darling, the mCX.

As you might expect, there are some hardware upgrades over the mCX, such as a bigger LiPo battery (120mAh as opposed to 110mAh), more powerful motors, and heading lock for better control. The flashing LEDs are a very nice touch, too.

The serious difference is the new adjustable swashplate. It allows the pilot to select between more or less sensitivity for more aggressive flying and faster airspeed. This feature, combined with selectable dual rates, sets the mCX2 apart from other helis in the line.

Performance: Smooth. From takeoff through flight to landing, everything about the mCX2 is crisp and clean. Apart from a slight tweak of the rudder trim, I didn’t have to make any other adjustments, and the heading-lock feature works beautifully. All you have to do is point the mCX2 in a direction and let go of the sticks. It just sits there in mid air, purring away, awaiting your input.

Switching the swashplate to the more aggressive mode is as easy as popping off the lower end of the rotor head links with needle-nose pliers, rotating the plate and popping the links onto the longer set of control balls.

Flying the mCX2 after changing the swashplate settings turns a kitten of a heli into a cheetah. At full throttle, the mCX2 races across rooms and can really surprise you with its speed. With the speed comes more agility, but too sharp a turn and you might fall out of the sky. This is definitely the mode for the most fun with the mCX2!

Marketing: The entire Blade line practically sells itself. Without question, bust one out of the box for an in-store demo. If you’ve sold other Blade products, you know that a demo is probably going to be your best bet for sales. Show the flight differences between an mCX2 with the normal swashplate setting and the more aggressive one.

Also, don’t forget to demonstrate how to toggle between high and low rates on the controller, and the control differences between them.

Once customers see this ultra-micro superstar’s flashing lights, killer looks and ease of control, you’ll have a hard time keeping them in stock.

With the release of the mCX2, Horizon Hobby is breaking out the Blade lineup into its own brand, rather than keeping it under the E-flite banner. It has also launched a new website dedicated to the Blade helicopters, which features video, manuals, tips and user support. Don’t hesitate to use it as a resource center and sales tool in your store.